[Thailand-Cambodia Conflict] Thai Military Bombs the Border; Chinese Nationals in Cambodia Raise the Five-Starred Red Flag for Protection

The Cambodian Ministry of Defense reported that on the 18th, the Thai military dispatched F-16 fighter jets to launch airstrikes on multiple towns in Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia. Targets included the border city of Poipet, adjacent to Thailand, as well as the provincial capital Serei Saophoan.

According to the Cambodia China Times, amid continuous airstrikes, the security situation in the border regions has rapidly deteriorated. Several Chinese citizens residing and working in Poipet raised the Chinese national flag at their residences and workplaces after the airstrikes in order to clearly identify themselves as Chinese nationals for safety reasons. Related images have circulated widely in local areas and on social media, drawing widespread attention to the safety conditions of foreign nationals.

Agence France-Presse reported that the Cambodian Ministry of Interior stated that Thai fighter jets dropped three bombs in one area of Poipet city on that day. Poipet city is a gathering spot for Thai gamblers and is densely packed with casinos.

The statement noted that the attack destroyed a warehouse and other properties, resulting in minor injuries to two civilians.

Additionally, the Thai Army stated that the military had destroyed more than six buildings inside Cambodia that were being used as bases by transnational fraud networks. These buildings included casinos and hotels long targeting victims, including U.S. nationals, for scams.

Thai Air Force spokesman Jakrit Thammavichai told an AFP reporter that this attack destroyed a "logistics center" used for storing rockets, stating, "These facilities have long been used for military purposes."

Officials said that the renewed conflict between the Southeast Asian neighbors this month has resulted in at least 21 deaths in Thailand and at least 18 deaths in Cambodia, as well as the displacement of over 800,000 people.